Zanetor Rawlings commits to getting Lupus treatment captured under NHIS

Dr. Zenator Agyemang Rawlings is the MP for Korle Klottey. She is committed to advocating for Lupus to be included in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

She highlighted the high costs of diagnosis and treatment. This makes advocacy essential for covering this chronic autoimmune disease.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease. It occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissues. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, skin rashes, fever, fatigue, hair loss, and sensitivity to sunlight. At least five million people worldwide have lupus.

Dr. Agyemang Rawlings spoke at an event for World Lupus Awareness Day in Accra. The theme was “Make Lupus Visible.”

As a Board Member of the National Health Insurance Authority, she noted that autoimmune diseases are becoming more common. They are affecting many lives daily.

She emphasized the need for doctors to prioritize lupus care. Many people are affected by it, but there are no exact figures available.

The MP stated that making lupus visible requires more than just advocacy. We need trained health workers for early diagnosis and treatment.

Financial aid for treatment is also necessary. Support from families and caregivers is crucial too.

Mrs. Emma Halm Danso leads the Oyemam Autoimmune Foundation. She called for urgent action on lupus diagnosis and education.

She expressed concern about the lack of rheumatologists in Ghana—only three exist nationwide. This shortage makes early detection very difficult.

“Lupus is more common in Ghana than we realize,” Mrs. Danso said. Misdiagnosis and lack of awareness contribute to this issue.

She urged the Ghana Health Service to prioritize lupus in health promotion efforts.

“Every day we receive calls from suffering individuals,” she added sadly. “It’s heartbreaking when they lose loved ones.”

Mrs. Danso advocated for including lupus medications in NHIS coverage to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

The stress and neuropsychiatric impact on patients and families are immense, she noted.

Mr. Ebenezer Djietror is the Clerk to Parliament; he encouraged citizens to support those affected by lupus at home and work.

“Let us stand together as a nation,” he said about prioritizing early diagnosis and improving treatment options.

He praised the foundation's efforts in raising awareness about lupus.

World Lupus Day has been observed since 2004 with various events highlighting its importance.